Directory:London:Kingston upon Thames:Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness

From EveryonesHome.org.uk

Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness Referral address

36a Fife Road Kingston upon Thames KT1 1SU Phone

020 8255 7400 Fax

020 8255 8801 Email

kcah@dial.pipex.com Website

www.kcah.org.uk

Who the project is for ^ back to top Target group

Single "non-priority" homeless people who have low support needs. Priority to those with a local connection to RB Kingston upon Thames. Will not accept

Arsonists, sex offenders, those with a history of violence, those with alcohol or drug problems and those with serious debt problems. AgeMinimum 18 Maximum 59 Average 45

How to get in ^ back to top Referral procedure

Named agency referrals only. Applicants attend KCAH's housing advice sessions (10am-1pm Mon-Fri) at the above address. Application form. Interview. Applicants must give background about their homelessness and outline plans for obtaining housing and work. Referral agencies

Only accept referrals from KCAH's own housing advice service, LB Kingston Housing Advice, YMCA Surbiton, SPEAR Hostel and Probation Service. Vacancies

Monthly. Operate a waiting list of about 3 months. Length of stayMinimum 1 month Maximum 2 years Average 15 months

Staffing and support ^ back to top Support services

5 staff and 1 volunteer available at off-site office 10am-5pm Mon-Fri. Each house visited weekly. Support plans set targets for each resident to get back into work and secure long term housing. Residents are expected to develop these plans themselves. Staff offer basic advice and support and a housing management service. Access to move-on

Residents are expected to devise a plan for their own long term resettlement. Staff can assist with application forms and can access furniture through Shaftesbury Resource Centre. Up to 6 months follow-up support if required. Accommodation ^ back to top Total spaces

46 In 10 shared houses and 6 bedsits. Rooms (cost per week)

Single: 40 at Approx £110 Bedsit: 6 at Approx £110 £10pw required from residents in receipt of benefits. FacilitiesFurnishings Fully furnished. Baths 1 to 5 people Toilets 1 to 5 people Showers - Laundry No TV No Other facilities Lounge, garden. Food Self catering. Cooking facilities Kitchens shared between 5 people. Disabled facilities None.

Rules and policies ^ back to top House rules and tenure

Must meet regularly with staff and work towards resettlement. Smoking allowed outside. Assured shorthold tenancy. Resident access

Own key, no access restrictions. Visitors

Yes, no restrictions. Can stay overnight for 1-2 nights with staff permission. User participation

Informal feedback. Residents' meetings held as and when required; facilitated by project staff. Raises and resolves issues in individual houses. Further information ^ back to top

KCAH provides accommodation for 46 single homeless people with low support needs. Accommodation is in 9 shared houses in the borough of Kingston including a 4-bed women-only house, a family house and 7 men-only houses. There are also 6 bedsits in a mixed block in Merton. Priority is given to applicants with a local connection. Referrals are only accepted from KCAH's own housing advice service, local agencies and hostels and is designed to offer temporary housing while residents work towards long term resettlement. Residents are expected to develop their own action plans with set targets to ensure their future employment and housing. Public transport

Kingston rail station - 5 minutes walk.